Rhodes: Captain Manolis Fishing Trip with BBQ and Swimming

If you’re craving a day out on the water that mixes fishing, swimming, and a freshly grilled seafood meal, the Rhodes Captain Manolis trip ticks all those boxes. This 4.5-hour experience offers a genuine chance to see Rhodes from a different perspective—fishing alongside local experts, enjoying scenic views, and relaxing with a barbecue on board. It’s a small-group tour, capped at nine participants, making for an intimate and personalized outing.

What we love about this trip? The professional guidance makes fishing accessible even for beginners, and the secluded beaches for swimming are a real treat—perfect for escaping busy tourist spots. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience is not suitable for non-swimmers or seasick travelers. If you’re comfortable on the water and looking for an authentic, laid-back day at sea, this tour is a strong contender.

This trip is especially well-suited for travelers wanting a cultural and culinary experience combined with outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day with a good dose of sea air, Captain Manolis’ trip offers genuine value and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Authentic fishing experience guided by seasoned professionals
• Small group size for a more personalized adventure
• Includes all necessary gear and a delicious seafood BBQ on board
• Great for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy water activities
• Secluded beaches and scenic views add to the charm of the tour
• Limited to 9 participants, ensuring a cozy and engaging outing

A Deep Dive into the Rhodes Fishing Trip Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at Kolona Port, conveniently located just five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station, making logistics straightforward. From there, the boat, fully equipped with fishing gear, departs for a day on the Rhodian waters. The itinerary is flexible but centers around fishing, swimming, and enjoying a barbecue cooked on board.

Stop 1: Launch from Kolona Port
Once aboard the small, fully-equipped boat, you’re greeted by a passionate crew led by Captain Manolis himself. The vessel is well-stocked with professional fishing gear and bait, ensuring even newcomers can get involved. The focus here is on bottom fishing—a method that’s accessible and rewarding—and the trip’s reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, like Captain Mike, who happily share tips for catching fish like rosseta, pufferfish, and even a tuna on some trips.

Stop 2: Fishing, swimming, and scenic cruising
The boat glides over crystal-clear Aegean waters, where you can try your luck at catching fish or simply relax and take in the views. Reviewers mention the stunning vistas of Rhodes’ coastline and the chance to spot marine life—a real highlight. After fishing, it’s time for swimming near secluded beaches. You can snorkel or just splash around, enjoying the warm, inviting waters. The crew often serves soft drinks and beers, making for a casual, fun atmosphere.

Stop 3: BBQ and relaxing on the boat
As the trip winds down, the crew prepares a barbecue using the freshest catch—one fish per person (usually around 500 grams)—along with salad and bread. Multiple reviews praise the delicious grilled fish, describing it as a highlight of the trip. “Food was excellent,” one reviewer notes, emphasizing how much everyone appreciated the quality and authenticity of the meal. After eating, many guests continue to swim or just enjoy the panoramic views of Rhodes from the water.

Return to Kolona Port
The trip concludes with the boat returning to the starting point, leaving you with plenty of photos, stories, and perhaps a new fishing skill. The entire experience lasts around 4.5 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity that won’t leave you exhausted but still gives a genuine taste of local life at sea.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

You’ll find this tour offers excellent value for money at around $73 per person, considering what’s included. The package covers:

• The fully-equipped boat with all necessary gear
• An experienced captain and crew, like Captain Mike, known for their friendly, knowledgeable approach
• The fishing gear and bait
• A seafood BBQ, featuring one fresh fish per person, salad, and bread
• Soft drinks and beers
• Swimming near the beach

What’s not included? The tour doesn’t provide transportation to or from the port, so you’ll need to organize your own transfer. This is worth noting, especially if you’re staying outside the city center, but given the port’s central location, it’s a minor consideration.

The Genuine Value of the Tour

Most reviews highlight that this trip offers a fantastic balance of activity and relaxation. For $73, you’re getting a small, personalized group experience, guided by professionals passionate about fishing and sharing their love for Rhodes. The all-inclusive nature—gear, bait, food, drinks—means you won’t have to worry about extra costs or organizing anything beyond showing up.

The quality of the food and authenticity of the fishing experience are what set this tour apart. Several guests mention how tasty the grilled fish is, often catching fish they helped reel in themselves, adding a memorable, hands-on element. It’s a real chance to connect with local fishermen and enjoy a laid-back day on the water.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like Captain Mike and his wife, who go beyond just sailing—they make sure everyone has a chance to fish, swim, and enjoy the meal. One guest, Robert, called it “a must excursion,” emphasizing the delicious meal and the personalized experience. Another, Pätris, appreciated the good value for money, noting how they caught rosseta, puffer, and even a 40cm tuna on the way back—proof that luck and skill both play a role.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adventurers who want a genuine fishing experience with a relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. Families with children who are comfortable in the water might enjoy it too, but non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness should consider alternative activities, as the experience is not suitable for non-swimmers or seasick travelers.

If you’re after a guided, authentic taste of Rhodes’ maritime lifestyle—with the added bonus of a fresh seafood feast—this trip offers great value and authentic charm. It’s less about luxury and more about real local flavor and adventures on the sea.

FAQ

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Where does the trip start and end?
It begins and ends at Kolona Port, just five minutes from Rhodes’ main bus station, ensuring easy access.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the port is not included, so travelers need to arrange their own transfer.

Can non-swimmers participate?
This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness. Participants should be comfortable in the water and on a boat.

What’s the quality of the food?
Guests rave about the delicious grilled fish cooked on the boat, with salads and bread complementing the meal. It’s often highlighted as a key highlight of the trip.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for the day.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This Rhodes fishing trip with Captain Manolis offers a genuinely local experience, combining fishing, swimming, and delicious food in a small-group setting. It’s a wonderful way to escape the crowds and get a taste of maritime life—the kind of day that leaves you with stories, photos, and perhaps a new hobby.

Perfect for travelers who love outdoor adventures, seafood lovers, or those simply wanting a relaxing yet engaging day at sea. The value for money is evident in the quality of guides, the authentic fishing experience, and the tasty, freshly grilled meal. If you’re after a laid-back, genuine Rhodian experience, this tour might just be your best choice.

Whether you want to catch your own fish, enjoy scenic vistas, or just soak up the sun with a cold drink, Captain Manolis’ trip offers a memorable day that combines all that with a dash of local charm.